Several GYA members actively participated in the 2023 Tsukuba Conference, facilitated through GYA alumna and former GYA EC member Yoko Shimpuku (Hiroshima University, Japan)
The purpose of the Tsukuba Conference is to bring together future shapers beyond all borders to facilitate discussion among them. It provides them with the opportunity to express their vision of the future and to meet their collaborators. In its third iteration, the conference adopted the theme “Design the Future – Curiosity-driven Quests for Global Solutions” and GYA members were featured in Future Shapers Sessions as moderators and speakers.
The conference initiated with an impressive plenary session and an opening ceremony. Priscilla Kolibea Mante (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana), the Co-Chair of the Global Young Academy, delivered a keynote lecture outlining the activities of GYA and the aspirations of young scientists in shaping the future.
The first day culminated with a captivating “Future Shapers Session,” featuring members and alumni like Yasuhisa Kondo, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Rob Jenkins (University of York, United Kingdom), Karly Kehoe (Saint Mary’s University, Canada), Mareli Claassens (University of Namibia), and Amarjargal Dagvadorj (Breathe Mongolia- Clean Air Coalition, Mongolia), who moderated and contributed to discussions. This session envisioned the world in 2050, guided by technological and social transformations, emphasizing the significance of ethics and curiosity among young people in shaping a better future and fostering innovative solutions.
On day 2, the “Special Plenary with Nobel Laureates” followed, with GYA members and alumni, including Rob, Karly, Priscilla, and Mareli, who enriched discussions. Eminent laureates, Prof. Klaus von Klitzing and Prof. Ada Yonath, shared their insights on choosing research problems, the responsibilities of 21st-century researchers, the role of arts and self-discovery, and maintaining mental clarity. Concurrent sessions featured presentations by Mareli and Shymaa Enany (Suez Canal University, Egypt).
The last day offered a unique “International Space Station in Metaverse” experience, where Rob, Karly, Priscilla, Mareli, Amarjagal, and Shymaa explored the intriguing fusion of the International Space Station and the Metaverse through an immersive VR experience. Additionally, a special session with University Presidents and Future Shapers was moderated by Priscilla Mante, examining the evolving roles of universities in research and community engagement.
The Tsukuba Conference 2023 provided an invaluable platform for GYA members and alumni to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and collaborate on addressing pressing global challenges, underscoring the role of young scientists in shaping the future.
